The BVA said that if cross-party support for labelling of non-stun meat is achieved, then "significant progress" in reducing demand will commence, thereby reducing the number of animals suffering slaughter without stunning.

BVA President John Fishwick said: “We are delighted to see animal welfare high on the political agenda, with cross-party recognition of the value of enshrining animal sentience in UK law post-Brexit.

“Animal welfare is at the heart of everything vets do and we have repeatedly called for measures to ensure there is a duty on Government to have regard for animal welfare in policy making.”

Last week, the former president of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Alexander Trees, Baron Trees said the UK is "moving backwards" on its animal welfare commitments during a Lords debate on the issue.

The BVA has labelled the figures a "grave concern" to the veterinary profession, and has called for all livestock to be stunned before slaughter.